Building Briefs – November 26th

• Demolition works making good progress for new Ayr Grammar project

A large section of the old Ayr Academy’s obsolete concrete extension has now been demolished ahead of wider refurbishment works that will bring the school back to life.

The £16 million project for the new Ayr Grammar will see the historic buildings completely refurbished and remodelled to create an inspiring, modern facility, a new early years centre, community arts facilities, as well as a new Archive and Registration Centre.

The project is being delivered through hub South West, contractors Morrison Construction, and a design team led by BDP Architects.

The work on the demolition phase is expected to be completed by February 2019 with the project scheduled for completion in 2020.

The old Ayr Academy’s history dates back to 1233, with its former home on Fort Street having been a local landmark since 1880. Ayr Academy as a school relocated to its new home at Craigie Estate in summer 2017.

• Glasgow chimney firm moves to new premises following £119,000 funding package

Glasgow-headquartered New Vent Solutions Ltd, a wholesaler of chimney and flue supplies, has secured £119,000 from Santander Business Banking to move to larger, more suitably located premises. The funding will also allow the firm to install a showroom for walk-in retail customers, to showcase the best fireplaces and stoves on offer.

The new headquarters are located on in the west of Glasgow, near the M8 motorway, which allows fitters and tradesmen from across Scotland and the UK easily access to the business.

The move has facilitated a growth in the business’ sales due to the location and has led to a large increase in wholesale customers from a much wider remit than was previously available. Customer retention has increased and there has been a significant decrease in transportation and delivery costs, resulting in a reduced environmental impact from van emissions.

• Aberdeenshire Council commits to Saltoun Square development

Aberdeenshire Council has given its commitment to deliver The Faithlie Centre, Saltoun Square, in Fraserburgh.

The Faithlie Centre restoration is a key project in the development of the Fraserburgh 2021 Regeneration Scheme. The multi-million pound project was approved by councillors in November 2016 and work began in May 2017 to provide a mix of new uses, from a council service point to facilities for community and civic functions. A dedicated enterprise hub on the site will look to educate, support and accelerate indigenous business growth and ensure a pipeline of growing local businesses.

It is being developed by Aberdeenshire Council in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, among others.

The development has suffered from delays and most recently work has stalled completely due to the contractor being placed into administration. Significant work is still required before internal works can be completed.

Councillors considered a report in private session at full council meeting on Thursday, 22 November and gave their commitment to continuing to deliver the project and to seek a new main contractor to complete the works. Officers will meet funding partners to agree the approach to securing a new main contractor, in order to see the project through to completion.

• Councils grant planning permission to Moray West windfarm substation near Keith

Approval to construct an electrical substation to the south of Keith for the Moray West Wind Farm has been granted.

Both Moray Council and Aberdeenshire Council agreed to approve outline planning applications covering the onshore electricity transmission infrastructure for the development.

One of the main concerns raised in Moray about the construction of the substation was the effect the underground cables could have on the private water supplies in the area.

Forres councillor George Alexander asked what provisions the organisation was making to avoid damaging supplies.

Project developer for Moray West, James Grant stressed that they would do all they could to avoid that situation.

The Moray West Windfarm project will site 85 turbines offshore about 14 miles off the Caithness coast.

A decision on whether to the project will go ahead will be made by the Scottish Government in Spring 2019.